asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will announce the frequencies to be allocated for the new projected local radio stations.

A comprehensive frequency plan is being prepared by the Home Office local radio working party in order to make the most effective use of the frequencies available for local radio. The asignment of frequencies for the 18 new projected local radio stations is dependent upon the preparation of this plan. In the meantime, the IBA has been authorised to proceed with the arrangements for inviting programme franchise aplications in respect of its proposed stations at Cardiff and Coventry without waiting for the precise technical details of the transmitter to be established.